Start 'Em Sit 'Em Week 4: Risky Playmakers Who Are Worth Starting

Sometimes it's best to sit players that come with a lot of risk, but there are some guys in Week 4 with huge upside that you absolutely must start, because they have the chance to put up some monster numbers.

Risky picks like Brian Hoyer, Jason Snelling and Josh Gordon all worked out last week, and while it's hard to truly predict players like Hoyer having a big day for fantasy football, there are some that have proven to be risky picks in the past that have paid off.

Here are just a few players you need to start this week, despite the risk they bring to the table.

Note: All scoring numbers are based off ESPN's standard leagues.

Philip Rivers, QB, San Diego Chargers

There's that feeling that any week Rivers is going to crash and burn by throwing four interceptions, but so far he's looked good, and there's little chance we see Rivers collapse this week.

The numbers for Rivers have been impressive so far. He's already thrown for 798 yards and eight touchdowns with just one interception. He's already had two games with more than 20 points, but he also did just have 184 yards and one touchdown last week against the Tennessee Titans.

Those numbers should continue to look good for Rivers as the Chargers take on the Dallas Cowboys. Dallas has allowed 824 yards through the air along with seven touchdowns and three interceptions. Those three picks, however, came in one game against Eli Manning and the New York Giants.

Rivers hasn't been the most consistent quarterback over his career, but he looks like the old Rivers so far this season. The Chargers' defense may keep San Diego from winning the game, but at least you can be ready for Rivers to have another big game this week.

Bernard Pierce, RB, Baltimore Ravens

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The ground game hasn't looked very good for the Baltimore Ravens, but Bernard Pierce is going to put up solid fantasy points this week, even if Ray Rice is able to play.

With the injury to Rice, Pierce has put up 11 and 12 points over the past two games, thanks to a touchdown in both games. This week, the Ravens will be playing the Buffalo Bills, and based off what that defense has done so far this season, Pierce has a good chance to break off some big runs.

Currently, the Bills are tied for 29th in the NFL with 465 yards allowed on the ground. Opposing teams average 4.3 yards against them, and that's something the Ravens need to get going.

Ray Rice may be coming back to play this week, but even if he does that shouldn't hurt Pierce's production that much. Rice is coming off a hip injury, and those are usually pretty dicey injuries to deal with. The coaching staff will likely limit the amount of carries Rice gets if he does play, and that means Pierce will still get a solid amount of touches this week against a team that tends to struggle against the run.

Kenbrell Thompkins, WR, New England Patriots

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Make no mistake about it, Tom Brady has found a new target he loves to throw to in the red zone in Kenbrell Thompkins.

After looking lost on the field in Week 2 against the New York Jets, Thompkins looked much better against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, grabbing three receptions for 41 yards and two touchdowns, showing Brady still has faith in the rookie receiver.

This week will be another chance for Thompkins to shine, as the New England Patriots will be heading to Atlanta to take on the Falcons. The Falcons have not looked good so far in pass coverage, giving up 296 passing yards per game. Opposing QBs have a passer rating of 96.9 against the Falcons, showing that this young secondary is inexperienced and still needs time before it can develop into a strong unit.

With six red-zone targets already, Thompkins is becoming a real weapon in the Patriots' offense. While he may not score two more touchdowns this week, you can bet he gets looks when the team is near the end zone. He'll likely be able to grab another touchdown and put up some solid yardage this week.